Not doing that again!

Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Prophetic Ministry

At some point in mentoring prophetic 'servants' (my new term for prophetic ministers or people), you will come across someone who has walked away from a moment of ministry and thought, “I wish I hadn’t shared that.” Maybe they poured out their heart, but the room was silent- you looked at them and they looked at you… Maybe they expected encouragement but got nothing, and then the thoughts creep in: “Maybe I should just go quiet for a while.”

After 45 years of doing the 'stuff', I know that feeling—got the T-shirt, which is threadbare. I have now outgrown it! It's an important topic because I know 'self-sabotage' has kept too many prophetic voices on the side-lines when God was calling them to stand firm. If you or the person you are mentoring is wrestling with doubt after stepping out in faith, we need to recognise and break the cycle of self-sabotage before it takes root.

Identify the Real Issue – It's Not Just About Sunday!

When we regret something we said or did in ministry, our first instinct is often to fix the surface issue (pull back, say less, or just stay quiet for a while), but the real question isn’t just “Should I have said that?” The deeper question is: was I motivated by faith, or was I seeking validation? Or, better still, am I withdrawing because of wisdom, or because I feel rejected? Ultimately, and more realistically, the useful question is, “Is the Holy Spirit convicting me, or is the enemy condemning me?”

Convicting or Condemning?

It’s easy to think, “I won’t make that mistake again if I just stop sharing,” but that’s not growth—that’s fear dressed up as wisdom. Instead of shutting down, let’s encourage one another to lean into what God is actually refining, and then, before making a decision to withdraw, take thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5), where we can discern if our response is coming from God’s leading or our emotions.

Recognise the Self-Sabotage Patterns

Self-sabotage happens when we unknowingly set up barriers to our own calling. In prophetic ministry, it often looks like:

Avoidance – “If I don’t step out, I won’t get it wrong.” Fear convinces us that silence is safer than risk, the problem with that is prophetic ministry is built on faith, not fear (Hebrews 11:6).

Overcorrection – “Next time, I’ll say it differently so I don’t feel exposed.”
We tweak our message to be more “acceptable,” seeking affirmation instead of obedience. Paul reminds us here, “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Harsh self-criticism – “Maybe I’m not really called to this.” We replay our words, picking apart what we should have said. The answer here is that God chooses weak vessels on purpose (2 Cor. 12:9).

When you notice yourself struggling, take a moment to gently name what’s happening. Are you avoiding, overcorrecting, or being too hard on yourself? Whatever it is, simply call it out with kindness, and then bring it to the Lord knowing that He’s always ready to meet you right where you are, with love and grace. You’re not alone in this.

Break the Imposter Syndrome Loop

One of the biggest lies that fuels self-sabotage is “I shouldn’t be here.” It’s the voice of imposter syndrome, which says: “If I was really called, I’d feel more confident.” “If I was truly anointed, people would respond differently.” “Maybe I misheard God.” But then, look at Moses (Exodus 4:10), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), and even Elijah (1 Kings 19)—mighty men of God who doubted their place. Yet God did not let their fear excuse them from their calling.

Instead of wondering, “Do I belong here?” gently shift your heart to ask, “Was I faithful?” If you walked in obedience, trust that the outcome rests in God’s loving hands, not yours.

Let go of the weight of results, and find peace in knowing you followed where He led. You did good!

Shift Your Motivation

Faithfulness Over Feedback is the answer! Let’s be honest—sometimes we want more affirmation than we’d like to admit. It’s not wrong to want encouragement, but when external validation determines our obedience, we’ve lost sight of our true motivation—and then we have to go on the internet and read this post again!

Jesus challenges us, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me” (John 4:34). His nourishment came from obedience, not applause. If prophetic ministry is about hearing and obeying God, then our greatest success isn’t in how people respond—it’s in whether we were faithful.

If you feel the urge to retreat, try something different. Take a gentle step forward—not for anyone else’s approval, but to honour yourself and break free from the patterns that hold you back. God's work in you is stronger than you think, and every small step is a victory.

Last of All, Anchor Yourself in Identity, Not Outcomes

Here’s the truth: You will not always get positive feedback. You will not always feel confident. You will not always get it perfect. But not one jot of that changes your calling. Be sure of this: if the enemy can get you to question your place every time you feel exposed, he will keep you in a cycle of doubt and retreat... but God calls you forward, refining you as you go.

You are never alone in your experience and encounters. Elijah wanted to quit, Paul had thorns, Jeremiah felt unqualified. The encouraging thing is that God met them in their weakness and kept using them anyway. He will do the same for you.

The next time you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I should just stay quiet for a while,” pause and gently ask yourself:

• “Is this God inviting me into a season of growth and refinement, or is fear whispering for me to step back?”

• “Am I pulling away because of past hurts, or am I stepping forward in faith, trusting His plan?”

If the Spirit is nudging you to make a change, embrace it with an open heart, but if what you’re feeling is just discouragement trying to weigh you down, don’t let it steer your course.

Press in a little closer. Speak up again. Keep moving forward, one step at a time. Don’t give up - remember, God is still writing your story. He’s not done with you yet.

You are loved, you are called, and you are being shaped for something encouraging and fulfilling. Trust the process, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6